Exhaustion syndrome in palliative care.

Exhaustion syndrome is a potential risk for palliative-care workers and families because of their special contact with suffering. In this article we review its manifestations, the ways it affects every member of the team and other carers. It is possible to prevent it through an early recognition of job stress and the developing of strategies of self-control.

[How can we help children during the terminal phase?].

Children with terminal illness make a deep impression on everybody around them. They need help in communication, respect and a lot of affection. There are different ways to help them to overcome their problems.

[Palliative management of patients with advanced AIDS].

Patients with AIDS in terminal stages may improve with diverse technics and philosophy of terminal care according to their special features. We review the clinical course of the illness produced by HIV infection, the most bothering symptoms in this stage, the preventive measures and treatment. The patient and his family need a strong support to endure this disease.

How can relations be improved between the family and the support team during the care of terminally ill patients?

The family and patient are a unit of treatment. The support team should try to develop good communication with the family to be able to offer help respectfully and tactfully throughout the different phases of the terminal illness. We review: (a) the influence of the terminal illness on the family, and (b) the important factors in the intervention of the support team and their relationship with the family.